What are the Games of the Small States of Europe?
The Games of the Small States of Europe (GSSE) are a biennial multi-sport event for Europe's small states: Andorra, Cyprus, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro and San Marino. Around 1,000 athletes contest a program of Olympic sports at each edition.[1] [2]
Who organizes the GSSE?
The Games rotate among the nine member National Olympic Committees, which stage them under the patronage of the European Olympic Committees (EOC); the EOC broadcasts recent editions on its own channel.[1] [3]
When and where are they held?
Every two years, in odd-numbered years, over roughly a week in late May or early June, hosted in turn by the member states. The 2025 edition was held in Andorra; Monaco hosts in 2027.[2] [4]
| Season | Pool / Format | Host cities |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | — | Monaco (MON) — upcoming |
| 2025 | — | Andorra la Vella (AND) |
| 2023 | — | Malta (MLT) |
| 2021 | — | Not held (COVID-19; Andorra edition moved to 2025) |
| 2019 | — | Montenegro (MNE) |
| 2017 | — | San Marino (SMR) |
| 2015 | — | Reykjavík (ISL) |
| 2013 | — | Luxembourg (LUX) |
| 2011 | — | Liechtenstein (LIE) |
| 2009 | — | Cyprus (CYP) |
The 2021 edition (Andorra) was cancelled by the pandemic; Andorra instead hosted in 2025.[2]
Since when do they exist?
The first Games were held in San Marino in 1985 and the event has run biennially since, as a fixture of the European Olympic calendar for the small states.[1]
How do athletes qualify?
Athletes are selected and entered by their National Olympic Committees — GSSE teams are national teams, and selection follows each NOC's criteria in the sports on the program.[1] [2]
Why do the GSSE matter?
For athletes of Europe's small states, the GSSE is a principal international championship: it offers genuine international titles and records in Olympic sports, under EOC patronage, in fields where these nations' best athletes — including Olympic participants — meet as equals. GSSE medals are core honors in the sporting history of each member country.[1] [3]
Who competes?
National teams of the nine member states — some 1,600 athletes and officials at Andorra 2025 — from junior internationals to Olympians.[2]
References
- EOC / Sport Europe — About the GSSE. Accessed August 2026.
- GSSE Andorra 2025 — official site. Accessed August 2026.
- European Olympic Committees — GSSE broadcast on EOC Channel. Accessed August 2026.
- All Andorra — 2025 Games of the Small States of Europe. Accessed August 2026.